In the midst of panic buying and people stocking up on toilet paper, some stores have decided to protect those who may be at a higher risk of getting infected by the virus. 

Jaya Grocer announced today that it will provide a 30-minute period each morning specifically for senior citizens who are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

 

 

 

 

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Dear all, our outlets will be opening at 9.30am for the elderly/disabled/persons that requires special attention. Normal operating hours starts at 10am.

A post shared by Jaya Grocer (@jayagrocer) on Mar 16, 2020 at 7:03pm PDT

“We are introducing special opening hours from 9.30 am to 10 am at participating outlets for elderly customers (60s and above) & their caretakers. This initiative is to ensure those in need can shop for their daily needs in a safe & worry-free environment,” the supermarket chain said in a statement.

On the other hand, Mydin will also offer priority for senior citizens and disabled people so that they can shop in a less crowded environment by opening their outlet at 7.30 am instead of the usual 8.00 am. The supermarket chain will also have cashier counters dedicated to assisting them, along with staff members to help them move their items.

“(This is) exclusively for senior citizens and the disabled. We know they are the most vulnerable during these difficult times so let’s give them the time and space to shop,” said the managing director of Mydin, Ameer Ali Mydin.

 

 

 

 

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Dear fellow malaysian , this photograph is one of #mydin store packed since morning , let’s not do panic buying , our suppliers have assured us there is adequate supply of essentials to meet our requirements , let’s be considerate , we are all in this together and we will come out of this stronger only if we work together as malaysian , we can do it , we have the Malaysia bolih spirit , stay calm , have HOPE , also starting Wednesday all mydin Hypermarkets and supermarkets will open half an hour earlier exclusively for senior citizens and Oku, we know they are the most vulnerable during this difficult times so let’s give them the time and space to shop , we will also open a dedicated cashier counter for them , with gratitude - ameer mydin

A post shared by Ameermydin (@ameermydin) on Mar 16, 2020 at 2:22am PDT

 

 

 

 

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Istimewa untuk pelanggan warga emas dan orang kelainan upaya, pasar raya MYDIN akan memulakan operasi 30 minit lebih awal dari biasa untuk memudahkan mereka mendapatkan barangan keperluan dengan lebih selesa. Kami hargai kerjasama daripada semua pihak. . Salam mesra dari kami. Stay safe! 😊 . #mydinmalaysia #mydincares #covid19 #staysafe

A post shared by MYDIN Malaysia (@mydinmalaysia) on Mar 16, 2020 at 8:05pm PDT

Introducing “elderly hours” to protect those who are more vulnerable is not uncommon with many stores and supermarkets across the globe in response to panicked shoppers and hoarders.

The two supermarkets spearheading this move in Malaysia has been applauded by many.

WELL DONE @MydinMalaysia@jayagrocer for taking steps to support elderly and handicapped. Let's spread positive news like this. When we serve others, we HELP society. People who panic-buy and hoard - it HURTS and makes the situation WORSE https://t.co/ddXoGddiU8

— Harith Iskander (@HarithIskander) March 17, 2020

kita kena lindungi warga tua, contohilah jaya grocer

— ? (@naaasay) March 17, 2020

We hope everyone can remain calm when purchasing and to be more considerate of others who may need the essential items the most.

By: Siti Farhana Sheikh Yahya